The Human Dynasty

Genetically diseased cells that have had their defect corrected through gene therapy can be reprogrammed into stem cells capable of forming any tissue in the body, say researchers

New guidelines on whether and when to carry out tests on children at risk of inherited disorders say that sooner is better – but the child’s interest must come first

Researchers have uncovered variation around two genes that are associated with an increased risk of testicular cancer, which is the most common cancer among young men — it now affects seven out of 100,000 white men in the United States each year. The discovery is the first step toward understanding which men are at high risk of disease.

Initial results from research designed to discover genetic markers that may predict individuals at risk for serious drug induced liver injury (DILI) have been released. Analysis of a subset of DNA patients has led to the discovery that HLA-B*5701 is a major determinant of liver injury induced by flucloxacillin. Flucloxacillin is an antibiotic widely used in Europe and Australia, mainly in the treatment of staphylococcal infections.

(University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine) Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have uncovered variation around two genes that are associated with an increased risk of testicular cancer, which is the most common cancer among young men — it now affects seven out of 100,000 white men in the United States each year. The discovery, published in the May 31, 2009, online issue of Nature Genetics, is the first step toward understanding which men are at high risk of disease.

(Salk Institute) A study led by researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, has catapulted the field of regenerative medicine significantly forward, proving in principle that a human genetic disease can be cured using a combination of gene therapy and induced pluripotent stem cell technology. The study, published in the May 31, 2009, early online edition of Nature, is a major milestone on the path from the laboratory to the clinic.

(International Serious Adverse Events Consortium) The International Serious Adverse Events Consortium (SAEC) announced today initial results from its research designed to discover genetic markers that may predict individuals at risk for serious drug induced liver injury. The SAEC is a nonprofit research corporation, launched in the fall of 2007, comprised of and funded by 10 leading pharmaceutical companies and the Wellcome Trust.

DNA allows our bodies to reproduce our cells and at the end of our DNA strands is a small end cap known as the telomere. As we age, our telomeres shorten and we begin to lose our ability to reproduce cells, at which point we develop diseases of aging. Dr. Dave Woynarowski MD volunteers to take a rare new supplement called TA-65, which has been scientifically tested to lengthen the human telomere and, in turn, extend life on a cellular level. As a medical doctor, ultra marathoner and anti-aging supplement guru, Dr. Dave joins top medical minds in attempt to crack the immortality code and improve quality of life in both physical abilities and longevity. (PRWeb May 29, 2009)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/ta-65/telomere/prweb2477204.htm

Scientists are carrying out clinical tests with patients who have suffered from a severe heart attack. With the implantation of the patient’s stem cells, the heart regenerates thus improving its wall motion, that is, its cardiac performance.

Scientists studying a rare genetic disease discovered that a bundle of proteins with the long-established function of keeping chromosomes together also plays an important role in regulating genes in humans. When cohesin, a protein complex, doesn’t work properly, genes are dysregulated in the multisystem developmental disease Cornelia de Lange syndrome.